Sunday 12th March Redwoods Walk
Grade 1: Pohaturoa Walking Trail
We arrived at the visitor centre car park at the end of Nursery Road, about 9 am and had our morning tea. Sunny but noticeably chillier than Hamilton; several people added a layer. At 9.30 we started walking along the edge of the Redwoods passing the horse float park and then forked left following the yellow signs of the Pohaturoa Track. Walked uphill on a hard surface road then forked right into Radio Hut Road. At the fork, a beady eyed wanderer spotted a decent sized piece of obsidian and discussion was had. We continued down this track with nice soft pine needles underfoot and a good temperature for walking. Then the track split with the right-hand fork going to the Whaka lookout, then up steps to the Trig and Waipa lookout. The left fork, much steeper, going more directly to the Waipa lookout is a steeper, shorter option, chosen by Colin. The clear day gave us splendid views over Rotorua city, the lake and Mokoia Island. We took the Waipa Lookout Loop track and then continued downhill through the trees (a bit of cyclone damage here) to our lunch spot at the Waipa car park, around noon. A very busy spot, with all types of facilities for mountain bikers and a café for those who were prepared to wait! We made use of the steps for our picnic lunch.
We then retraced our steps over a stream and spring, then climbed a short, steep path to the right, back into the forest. The path took us to Baker’s Hollow. More mountain bikers here, often with children and dogs in tow. We encountered several busy junctions (at times puzzling), before a steady uphill tramp along Nursery Road and back to obsidian junction. Then, as it had got quite hot, some very welcome downhill grade back to the van.
After deciding against the hot pools, grade 1 wanderers set off home, meeting the grade 2 folk at the ice cream stop in Tirau. A nice, forest walk and back home at a good time. Thank you Diane our leader and drivers.
Rebecca